Monday, October 6

Why I Want to Work for Kashi

I want to work for Kashi. Take a look at their part of their mission statement:

Everyone has the right to healthy food... We love being able to give people all-natural, minimally processed foods that are free of highly refined sugars, artificial additives, and preservatives. Because when we eat well, we feel well....

What's not to like about that? Kashi makes good-for-you-food that actually tastes good. And if you've lived through the Snackwell's and rice cake (aka styrofoam circles) mania of the '90s, then you know that's no easy task.

My current favorite Kashi product is 7 Whole Grain Pilaf, which is great any time of the day. Not only is it deliciously chewy, nutty, and satisfying, but it's super healthy too: 1 cup of this pilaf has twice the fiber and protein of brown rice. In this recipe for Shrimp, Pineapple, and 7 Whole Grain Pilaf Salad, succulent shrimp, sweet pineapple, creamy mango, and chewy Kashi are tossed in an addictive sweet and sour dressing. Topped with crunchy cashews and toasted sesame seeds, this salad has it all.

I'm not receiving any free products or money for this post. However, if any Kashi people are reading this, I wouldn't turn my nose up at a coupon for Heart to Heart cereal -- I'm currently all out. And if you're from the Kashi Human Resources department, I have a discernible palate, get along well with people, know all 19 whole grains, and own a pair of well-worn Birkenstocks. I'm available for part-time work.

Following cooking instructions for the Kashi pilaf or grain of your choice.

Place the shrimp in a medium bowl with 1 teaspoon sesame oil, salt and pepper. Toss well to coat, and set aside for 5-10 minutes.

Meanwhile, place all other salad ingredients (except sesame seeds) in a bowl, and toss gently.

To make the dressing, whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl and set aside.

Heat remaining 1 teaspoon sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook 5 to 6 minutes, turning to ensure that they brown evenly on both sides.

In a large bowl, combine cooked pilaf, vegetables, and shrimp. Pour dressing evenly over the salad and toss well to coat. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds.

**Kashi 7 Whole Grain Pilaf is available at most major supermarkets and specialty markets such as Whole Foods. Other chewy whole grains such as barley, brown rice, or wheatberries can be substituted.You might also like:

They SHOULD hire you! I didn't know about the 7 grain pilaf mix. I've only had the cereal (which I love).You could develop recipes for them to plaster on the back of the boxes. I'll definantly try this.

I would totally work for kashi too, even their commercials had me: "7 whole grains on a mission..." I didn't know about their pilaf but I do love their Go Lean Crunch cereal and their granola bars. I'll have to try this out!

Oh geez, Susan, that comment about well-worn Birkenstocks was just too funny. I have a pair I wear for gardening. I have a friend who calls me "Granola" because I have the sandals, a Subaru, eat brown rice and recycle. I wear the moniker proudly. Do you think this recipe would translate well to either chicken or pork? I'm allergic to shellfish but it sounds heavenly.

Susan, you say Kashi's 7 Whole Grain Pilaf has more fiber and protein than brown rice. How does the taste compare? Better, I hope--to me, brown rice has all the flavor and textural appeal of, well, those well-worn Birkenstocks.

Kashi would be so lucky! And I agree with another comment that the "well-worn Birkenstocks" comment had me laughing pretty well. I too am a lover of Kashi (just finished some as a mid-afternoon snack!) but had no idea they had a whole grain pilaf! I will be on the look-out, now, though - and they have you to thank!

Ha! I actually just made a quick reference to Kashi today in my post and I have written before how I am a *tad* obsessed with their products. The 7 grain pilaf is definitely one of my favorites. This dish looks really delicious! I have also been eating my weight in the 7 grain crackers...

Oh, I'd gladly give this a try! I've also wanted to work for Kashi ever since seeing their commercial with the young man in some far flung open air market stating that he is a picky eater and travels the world looking for foods to bring back to us. Hey, I'm not that picky of an eater, cut I'd gladly impersonate one to have his job!

Mmmm...I love so many of their products. I remember that Kashi was a local company (SD) and then sold a few years ago. This post is making me wonder who owns the company now. Delicious recipe -- definitely good for us!